Henry Chandler Cowles (1869–1939)

Cowles was one of the first Americans to use the word "ecology." In fact, he taught himself to read Danish so that he could better understand the Danish ecologist Eugenius Warming's works.

Cowles published relatively little. His doctoral dissertation and a few articles written early in his career formed the bulk of his research publications. He exerted a substantial influence on his students, however, as the leader of countless field trips. As these small groups cooked, hiked, and camped together, sometimes for extended periods, Cowles was able to generate an interest in botany and an uncommon rapport. It was here that Cowles had his most profound impact on the study of ecology. His students often published far more than he ever did, but it was Cowles, the effective teacher, who helped lay the foundation for their lifelong interest in ecological studies.

An Indiana state park was established in Cowles’ honor. On December 2, 1965, 56 acres of Porter County, Indiana, were designated Cowles Bog National Natural Landmark. Congress authorized the creation of Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore in 1966.